Dwayne Johnson Joins TKO Board, Gains Control of ‘The Rock’ Trademark

TKO, the parent company of WWE, has a familiar face joining its board

Finally, The Rock has joined the TKO board.

Earlier this morning, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was officially appointed to TKO Group Holdings’ Board of Directors.

TKO is the parent company of WWE. Vince McMahon, who serves as TKO’s Executive Chairman of the Board, helped play a role in bringing Johnson to TKO. In an official statement, McMahon said: “Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media, and business like Rock. We are proud to have him join the TKO board to help take our company to new heights.”

Courtesy WWE

There is significance behind the partnership. Coinciding with his appointment onto the board, Johnson gains ownership of “The Rock” trademark. In addition to a seat on the board and ownership of the trademark, Johnson also receives $30 million in TKO stock that will vest through December of 2025.

Ari Emanuel, who is the TKO CEO, stated: “I am thrilled to partner with Dwayne and welcome his immense talent to TKO’s Board. Dwayne brings an incredible track record of creating content and building globally recognized consumer brands, and he will play a key role in realizing our ambitions for TKO.”

Courtesy WWE

In his official statement, Johnson expressed his excitement and ambition over the new partnership:

“My grandfather, ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come. Which is why I’m very humbled to have a seat at the table that has decades of history and family legacy for me. A table that my family helped to build. Being on the TKO Board of Directors, and taking full ownership of my name, ‘The Rock’, is not only unprecedented, but incredibly inspiring as my crazy life is coming full circle.

“At my core, I’m a builder who builds for and serves the people, and Ari is building something truly game changing. I’m very motivated to help continue to globally expand our TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses as the worldwide leaders in sports and entertainment—while proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day putting in the hard work with their own two hands to make their dreams come true and deliver for our audiences. I’ve been there, I’m still there and this is for them.”

In addition to Johnson, Brad Keywell also joined the Board of Directors, increasing the board from 11 to 13 members.